Just a Game - PAPERBACK - Detective Loxley Crime Thriller Book 7

You will be notified by email when your paperback has been dispatched. It's usually within a couple of working days.

Chapter 1
20 years ago

Nailer was late home again, and the evening had already drawn in over the city. The streetlights glowed in the evening dusk, reflecting off rain-slicked streets.
It had stopped drizzling for the time being, but there was more inclement weather scheduled for later. At least he’d get home nice and dry. He should be grateful for small mercies, he supposed, especially after the shitshow of the last few days.
Even now, days after taking a potentially career-ending risk, he still wasn’t sure if he’d made the right call.
Luckily, everything fell into place, and his gaffer seemed unaware of what he’d done. At least, it appeared that way. He was still being considered for promotion to inspector, after all, which he found reassuring. There was still time for everything to go tits up, though, so he probably shouldn’t count his chickens just yet.
Nailer cruised along his road, hunting for a parking space, hoping to get as close to his house as he could. He wrinkled his nose at the pair of Land Rover’s parked right outside it and moved on to the next nearest space a few cars further up and eased in. Turning the engine off, he lamented his inability to find a spare moment during the day. It was so busy with the fallout from his current case, he’d been unable to make a phone call, something he’d promised to do.
Nailer pulled out his beaten up 3310 and checked his messages. None. Good, at least the kid could follow orders, he thought with a wry smile. Thumbing through his contacts, he scrolled down to one he’d entered simply as RL, and clicked call.
He climbed out of his car, putting the phone to his ear.
The call connected.
“Hello?”
“It’s me,” Nailer said, recognising Rob’s voice on the other end of the line. “How you doing?”
“I’m bored… But I’m okay, I guess.”
“Bored is good. Bored is better than being in prison, remember.”
“I know… Thanks.”
“My pleasure. Did you have a think about names?”
“I’ve got a few ideas, but I’m not sure you’re going to like them.”
Staying beside his car while he spoke, Nailer pulled a face. “I might. What’s your idea?”
“You’re gonna think it’s dumb.”
“Try me.”
Rob grunted on the other end of the line. “All right, fine. I quite like Loxley.”
Nailer felt his eyebrows crawl up his forehead in incredulity. “Loxley? As in Robin of?”
“Aye.”
“I think you need to go back to the drawing board.”
“I like it.”
Nailer sighed. “Well, you’re the one who will need to live with it. So, you’ve not had any visitors, no one’s recognised you?”
“Nope. I’ve not left my room and I still have the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door, so…”
“Good.”
“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, honestly, but how long do I have to stay in this hotel for?”
“Not long, hopefully. I’ll get you out as soon as I can. I can’t afford to keep you in there for long. My paycheque doesn’t stretch that far. I’ll find something as soon as I can. But for right now, we just need to keep you away from your family. They’re looking for you, you know, after our little stunt.”
“No shit. Owen must be pissed. You screwed up his plans.”
Nailer smiled. “I know. I was particularly pleased with that, even if it has turned my week upside down.”
Leaving his car behind, Nailer marched down the street, making for his front door, when a man stepped out onto the pavement before him and planted himself in Nailer’s way. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and stared at him with a scowl.
Nailer slowed and glanced behind him. He had a sense that someone was there, and sure enough, another man had appeared, blocking his primary escape route.
Returning his attention forward, Nailer saw a third man climb out of one of the parked Land Rovers. He recognised him right away.
“You still there?” Rob said over the phone, reminding Nailer he was still on the call.
Nailer grimaced. He stared at Rob’s father, Isaac Mason. “I’ve gotta go. We’ll chat later.” He hung up before Rob could protest and stuffed the Nokia back into his pocket. “Issac,” he began. He took the last few steps towards the man. “How can I be of service?”
“Cute, Sergeant Nailer.”
“If you say so. Scores of women would disagree.”
Any humour left in Isaac’s face instantly drained away. He stared back and said nothing.
“What’s this about?” Nailer pressed, keen to get this over with.
“When will you learn to leave my family alone?”
“When they stop breaking the law… probably.” He was poking the lion, but he didn’t care. He hated these gangsters with a passion. It was why he’d pursued them so relentlessly for years.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. We’re a respectable family, Sergeant. Sure, Owen can be a little wild, but he’s young. He’s just testing boundaries, like all kids do.”
“Testing boundaries? You see, it’s funny, because I’d call it breaking and entering, theft and assault. But hey, maybe I’m just splitting hairs here.”
Isaac took a step towards him, his frown deepening. “Where’s Rob?”
“Rob?”
“Don’t play games with me, Sergeant. You know who I’m talking about. Where’s my son?”
“I don’t know,” Nailer replied, his tone even and calm, despite his heart hammering in his chest. “Why? Have you lost him? You should keep track of your children more. Your wife, too, if what I’ve heard is correct.”
Isaac lunged and grabbed Nailer by the scruff of his neck and yanked him close. “What did you say?” His voice was a dangerous growl.
Nailer stared back at the man for a long moment. “I said you should concentrate on looking after your own house before you start accusing others. If family members are fleeing the family home like rats leaving a sinking ship, what does that tell you?”
Isaac moved suddenly and punched Nailer in the gut, bending him double. He took a step back having let Nailer go. “You better watch that mouth of yours, John. I know you’re a part of this.”
Winded, Nailer took his time to catch his breath. He’d pushed Isaac far enough and didn’t relish the idea of dying on his doorstep.
“I saw the way you stared at Annabelle, John, back at that charity gala. Don’t think I didn’t. You’re involved in all this, so don’t bother trying to deny it. And rest assured, if I find out I’m right, I will hunt you down. You got that?”
Nailer nodded. “Got it.” He managed to straighten up.
Isaac adjusted his jacket and sniffed. “Right then, I’m off. I’ve got a meal with an Assistant Chief Constable to attend.”
Nailer raised an eyebrow. “You enjoy that meal.” He coughed.
“Don’t worry, I will. Right then, boys, let’s leave Mr Nailer to his evening.”
The car doors closed, and the engines roared. The two four-by-fours drove away, leaving Nailer alone on the pavement. He watched the vehicles disappear into the night while holding his stomach. It still hurt. Isaac packed quite the punch.
Cool spits of fresh rain hit his cheek, breaking his concentration. With a sigh, Nailer turned and walked to his front door. Still in a daze, it took a moment to find the right key and open up. He closed and locked the door behind him, checking it afterwards, just to be sure.
A second later, a face appeared out of a side doorway further up the hallway. “They’re gone, right?”
Nailer smiled at Annabelle Mason. “Yeah, he’s gone.”
“Bloody hell. I thought he’d try to force his way in here,” she stated, clearly shaken. She stepped out into the hall, putting a hand to her back and grunting in discomfort. Her pregnancy was quite far along and very obvious.
“That had crossed my mind, too,” Nailer agreed. “I think we need to look at other options for you. You can’t stay here anymore.”
“I know. You’re right,” she said unhappily. “I’m probably going to do what you suggested and move away for a bit. Maybe to the coast? Cleethorpes maybe?”
“You two should find a place together. You and Rob. You could start again as mother and son…”
“No. That’s not what we agreed. You made a promise to me, John. You said you’d be there for him, no matter what. He’s going to need you.”
“You’re going to need help, too,” Nailer suggested and glanced at her bump.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve been through this four times already, I think I can handle one more. Don’t worry about me. You need to focus on Rob and keep him away from his family. You need to make sure he’s all right.”
“He is. I just called him before Isaac showed up. He’s fine. Don’t worry.” Nailer bit his lip for a moment in thought before continuing. “I know I agreed to focus on Rob, but things change. You’re pregnant with my child and…”
“That changes nothing.” She placed both hands on her bump. “You’ll be there for her, too, don’t worry. But the Masons are dangerous, and Isaac will want Rob back. They will come for him, so it’s down to you to keep him safe. But if they do find him, it’s better that they don’t find me, too.” She fixed Nailer with a stern stare. “Me, and your daughter.”
“I know.” Nailer grumbled under his breath, stressed and frustrated. “I’m just not sure I agree with you keeping your distance from Rob. He’s going to need your guidance.”
“And that’s where you come in. You can be like a father to Rob and keep me up to date on what’s going on with him.”
Nailer sighed. “I know.”
“You know it’s the right thing to do.” She stepped closer and drew him in for a hug. “I love you.”

***

Driving north out of Nottingham, Isaac stared out of the window, his chin resting on his hand as he contemplated his confrontation with Nailer. The sergeant was involved in all this, he knew it. He just knew it. But he had little proof, and killing a police officer was a surefire way to bring way too much heat down on them when they least needed it.
He’d find out, one way or another, that was for sure.
Isaac sat back in his seat and looked at the other passenger. “Guy, I think it’s time to talk about your future.”
“Of course, sir,” Guy replied. “Anything I can do to help, just let me know. What did you have in mind?”
Isaac smiled. “You’re going to join the police, son.”